Vallecitos district raises water rates

Increase to appear on next bill

SAN MARCOS  The Vallecitos Water District board of directors has approved a rate increase for water, sewer and pumping services.

The increase was approved 4-0 after a hearing Wednesday. Director Jim Poltl was absent.

Monthly charges for the average residential customer will increase $7.70 for 2011-12, and an additional $7.70 for 2012-13. Customers should see the increase on their next bill, water district spokesman Torrey Webb said.

The rate increase for commercial customers will range from 5 percent to 11 percent, depending on the type of business.

The district received 42 written protests from customers about the rate increase. One customer attended the meeting and spoke mostly about conservation efforts,

Webb said.

The district’s last rate increase was Jan. 1.

The water district says the new rates include the estimated increased water charges from its two suppliers, the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District.

The increases also will recover the costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems, such as purchasing water, covering the debt on bonds, and regulatory compliance, the district says.

The Vallecitos Water District serves San Marcos, Lake San Marcos and portions of Carlsbad, Escondido and Vista.